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<Zoya> We can't possibly be any safer - from both physical threat and prying eyes - than we are here, Marten. I'd really like to know what's coming after you, and why. <Marten> ::smiles softly, and puts down the book he'd been halfway scanning:: I know, Zoya. But, I've thought that so many times in the past few months. I was getting comfortable in Marsember, then when Lisl showed me her... condition... Well, honestly, it made me start questioning my safety again. <Zoya> ::sits near Marten, chuckling softly:: I told Lisl it was too soon for that, but she was so *sure* it would make you remember. <Zoya> Can you at least tell me the source of the danger? ::softly:: Is your brotherhood so secretive that they would kill you only for leaving? <Marten> ::laughs:: I'm sure she was. It took a great deal of trust to place that knowledge in my hands, and she had to have had a good reason. But, when I saw her shift, saw her change into something else, something unexpected... it brought back all my fears... <Marten> ::looks at Zoya sternly, and shifts in his chair:: Quite possibly, yes. That's most of the reason I've been so reluctant, so slow to tell anyone anything. If I didn't feel at home here, in Marsember... I don't think I've told anyone this much, Zoya. <Zoya> ::nods:: I understand, Marten. I wish I knew how I could prove to you that you can trust me - trust *us*. Could naming your fears really bring them to be? ::this last is part persuasion, part honest inquiry:: * Marten looks a little nervous. "I don't know, Zoya. I'm not sure what I know anymore. But, after I left the temple, I wandered. Not running, mind you, just happy to get away. Happy to have true freedom, without daily structure and tasks and responsibilities. Enjoying the woods, the plains, running and dancing in fields. After a while, I became complacent." <Marten> Then, after a few weeks, three of my brothers found me. I killed two of them, and left the third within an inch of meeting the Gods. And I started to run, finally realizing what the Brotherhood could do, how far it could reach. <Marten> I had run-ins a few more times before I left Kara-Tur. Every time I thought I was safe, they appeared. I was amazed at their resources, and their ability to acquire helpers, both human and otherwise. * Zoya looks intent. "So when you left, you didn't think they'd come after you?" She considers for a few minutes. "Did they say anything to you when they caught up to you?" <Marten> So, I began to suspect everything and everyone. Since leaving Kara-Tur... <Marten> No. I didn't. I never expected to be followed; I thought I could leave when I wanted to, and evidently, the Brotherhood has other ideas. As for my brothers, all they said was, "It is time to come home, Marten. You cannot fly the coop so easily." Something in me snapped, and I knew that if I went with them, I would never feel free again. <Zoya> ::looks sympathetic and nods:: Yes. I've been in positions where everyone you meet could be a danger. It's... ::she sighs:: It's no way to live. <Zoya> I'm impressed that you got away, if they are so determined to have you back. <Marten> ::shakes his head:: Part of me believes that they've given up on me. Part of me thinks that they're afraid of crossing the Hordelands to come after me. Then, a small part of me thinks that they're just gathering their resources on this side of Faerun, in Cormyr, before taking me back. <Zoya> ::smiles softly:: If I could, I would offer you sanctuary here. You would be safe, here. Erdian has... taken a personal interest in you. <Zoya> But you'd have to stay here, in the Tower, or in the Hall, where his powers are strongest - and that would be no better than the life you left behind. <Marten> ::smiles:: I know you would. I feel how giving you are, how trusting, too. But you're right. I don't want to /need/ sanctuary, Zoya. I want to be done with this. <Zoya> ::nods:: Of course you do. As I said, it's no way to live. You need to know whether you are still pursued. You need to recover the memories you have lost. You need... You need to be able to pursue your life as a free man, and not a fugitive. ::smiles somewhat sadly:: <Marten> I don't know how to remember, Zoya. I'm afraid of what will happen if I do, too. <Marten> What will become of the life I've learned to live, and of the friendships that I've made, and those that I'm making now? <Zoya> ::sighs:: I don't know. I wish I knew more about why you lost your memory in the first place. ::looks away from him:: I wish I knew where the person that is "Marten" came from. <Marten> ::smiles slightly:: If I am the man you think I am, then I hope the man that I am now came from somewhere inside of him. I'd like to think that the person who's gained so much trust and respect among my new friends lives somewhere in the man you knew. <Zoya> ::looks back at him and smiles:: I'd like to think that, too. You seem... ::she shrugs:: That seems the most likely. Every now and then, when you're not thinking about it, you do things that only 'Dancer could do; know things that only 'Dancer could know. But as for what you'd remember, as 'Dancer, of your life as Marten... * Zoya closes her eyes. "I don't know that. I wish I did. I wish there were a way to find out. <Marten> ::sighs:: If there were, I don't know if I would take it Zoya. I'm happy as I am now. I'm content with my place in the world, and once I can stop looking behind me, wondering what's behind the next corner... there's little more I would need out of life. But, if I remember, if I return to my old life... <Marten> It's a question, a black box. I don't know if I would be happy as that man. <Zoya> ::sighs:: I'm not going to force anything on you, Marten. I've come to... appreciate the man you are now. But your resemblance to Moon Dancer would follow you forever. <Zoya> And there are ::she frowns, trying to phrase this diplomatically:: others - who would feel that not to at least *try* to recover 'Dancer would be tantamount to killing him. <Marten> Is that such a bad thing? Moon Dancer seems to have been a noble man, with few enemies. Marten... I can't say the same about me. I don't think I'd want to curse Moon Dancer with the enemies I've made in life, Zoya. <Marten> I understand their feelings; I think I'd agree, if the boot were on my foot. But, it's not, and it's my life they're looking to erase. I feel their loss, but I don't know if I want to find out if there are other memories hiding in my head. <Zoya> ::smiles:: Well, one thing at a time, Marten. Hopefully, we'll be able to deal with your enemies, one way or another. <Marten> ::stops for a few moments, and then smiles:: You said there were things I do that only Moon Dancer would know? Like what, for instance? <Zoya> As for the memories, well... They're there. They may emerge in time, whether you want them or not. <Marten> ::frowns:: One thing at a time? I think the two are inseparable... I'm surprised you don't. <Marten> ::nods:: Yes, they might. And I'll deal with that as they come around. /If/ they come around. <Zoya> ::she leans back in her chair, considering:: You speak our language astonishingly well for a man who spent his entire life in Kara Tur. You retrieved your own drink from the 'Hall taps at least once that I can remember - and since my gnomish flock are still working on mapping out that system, that's a feat indeed. <Zoya> ::she grins:: The question of your enemies and the question of your memories are undoubtedly closely intertwined, but I hardly think they're inseparable, Marten. <Marten> ::smiles:: I know. I've stopped myself twice in the city, with my mind on heading somewhere. Without thinking, I look up and I'm standing there. I don't plan it, and I don't ask directions. I just go there. It adds validity to the idea that Moon Dancer and I are one and the same. <Marten> You don't? How would you separate them, then? <Zoya> ::she looks at him levelly:: Without knowing more about your brotherhood and its... friends, I'm not completely certain. But it seems reasonable to me that we could deal with this brotherhood of yours - get them off your back - without having to retrieve your lost memories. <Marten> ::nods slowly:: I see. That could be possible. I'm sorry, Zoya. Nearly everyone here is so intent on drawing out my supposed memories that I assumed that was your first intention as well. It was wrong of me to do so. <Zoya> ::she smiles:: Well, I must say I wrongly assumed that you would want to remember. I should have realized that you'd have some doubts. <Zoya> But, no, your safety was first in my mind, at least after realizing that you *were* in danger. <Zoya> ::thoughtfully:: It may be necessary to deal with the brotherhood first in order to find out *how* they took your memories - and 'Dancer's innate abilities - in order to find out how to restore them. <Marten> ::nods and smiles:: Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me. It's hard to be here, in Marsember, when so many people just assume that you want to be someone you're not. <Marten> ::frowns, and furrows his brow:: These innate abilities bother me, too. With all the magical possibilities for finding some sort of trace, you've found none? The memories, the innate memories make me think I /am/ Moon Dancer, but the apparent lack of my physical talents... <Marten> I don't know, Zoya. There are so many unanswered questions. <Zoya> ::she shakes her head:: Moon Dancer was a werewolf, without question. And Lisl and Jaret tested you, when you first came - you can't have forgotten. Silver does you no harm, your wounds did not close, the anger Jaret provoked you into didn't induce the change. <Zoya> But I have no idea how anything could possibly take that away from you.. <Marten> And that's my problem with all of this as well, Zoya. If I were the man you think, what happened to all my supposed powers? <Zoya> I don't know, Marten. That's why I'd like to take care of this brotherhood of yours, first. They may have the answers I need. <Marten> ::nods slowly:: Understandable. But, I don't think you know what you're getting into. I don't know if any of us do, for that matter. <Zoya> I said when you first arrived that it was possible you weren't actually Moon Dancer, but a close-twin from another world or dimension. I said that it was possible that 'Dancer had given up his Wolf for reasons that seemed good to him at the time. I cautioned the others against trying to restore your memory before we knew why it was gone. <Zoya> ::wryly:: As usual, they didn't listen. <Marten> ::frowns:: Given up his wolf? <Zoya> The part of him that was Wolf; the... piece of soul that made him a werewolf and not a man. I don't know enough about it to know if it's even possible, but neither do I know that it's impossible. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, concerned:: From what little I understand of lycanthropy, I was under the impression that lycanthropy was a disease. Am I mistaken, or do Lisl and Moon Dancer share some sort of special type of lycanthropy? <Zoya> ::she grins:: You represent several irresistible puzzles, my dear. I can't resist puzzles. <Marten> ::grins wryly:: "My dear"? I'm glad I puzzle you... <Zoya> I don't know about Lisl, but 'Dancer was born a werewolf. He's not from this world. Where he's from, being a werewolf is a heritage, not a disease. <Zoya> ::she flushes a bit:: <Marten> Not of this world? Do you know much of how he arrived on Faerun, Zoya? I'm curious if his... my... his lycanthropy differs from lycanthropy here. <Marten> And, I don't mean to cause you any discomfort, Zoya. I apologize for speaking out of line. ::smiles, and stands:: My legs... I feel as if we've been talking for hours! <Zoya> ::she shakes her head:: No, I don't know how he got here. I've only been here for a few years, myself. I had meant to have a long talk with him about it, but never quite got around to it. <Marten> ::raises an eyebrow:: Oh? Are you from another world as well? It seems the Hall is the home to quite a unique collection of patrons... <Zoya> Oh, yes. I've been a traveler of worlds ever since... Well, since before Kevil and I separated. Yes, the patrons are a varied bunch, indeed. <Marten> ::nods:: I do seem to remember you mentioning that, now. But, we can save that for later. I know you're dying to ask me more questions. If I could have a small drink - water, perhaps - then my mind is yours to pick. <Zoya> ::she stands:: Oh, I'm terribly sorry! ::she moves over to a cabinet and opens a door:: Water? Or would you like something else? I don't have the selection the Hall boasts, of course, but I have a few wines and several spirits. <Marten> ::smiles, and walks over to the cabinet beside her, peering in:: No, water is fine. I'm not in the mood for spirits, and water would do well to help clear my mind and body. <Marten> If you have any means to cool it - ice, perhaps - that would be even better. * Zoya takes two empty glasses from the cabinet and closes the door again. She lifts a hand casually, and a small, faintly blue, wisp of smoke forms in front of her, assuming the vague shape of a person. She hands the glasses to it. "Iced water." The wisp disappears, taking the glasses with it. <Zoya> ::A few moments later, the wisp reappears, glasses full. Zoya takes them and hands one to Marten as the wisp fades away again.:: <Marten> ::smiles approvingly:: Evidently, the help here is much more elaborate than walking mugs and silver. ::sips his water, and walks back to his chair, stretching before he sits:: <Marten> ::motioning toward Zoya's chair:: Milady, I am at your command. * Zoya smiles and flushes again as she sips her water, reseating herself. "Well. At this moment, I'm mostly concerned with what kinds of hunters might be coming after you. Can the brotherhood summon demons or hellhounds, for example, to set on your trail? <Marten> ::takes another sip from his glass, nodding while he does:: Not that I know of. They can employ just about anything living, mind you, but they deal little in the spiritual world. What few magical men and women are among our numbers are simply clerics and healers, fortunately. But, I would not put it past them to hire someone who could. They're reluctant... ::looks at Zoya with a grin:: /we're/ reluctant to deal with magicians. <Zoya> ::she grins back:: Are you, indeed? And being so reluctant, you have decided to accept an invitation to stay in the very heart of a magician's fortress? <Zoya> ::she chuckles:: Well, if magic makes them wary, then that's something for us. <Marten> At some point, your trust of the person outweighs your distrust of their profession and craft. <Zoya> ::she smiles:: I'm flattered to have earned so much of your trust. <Marten> They're wary of those that wield it, though that rarely prevents them from acting. They just double their efforts when they suspect magecraft might be involved. <Marten> ::lowers his head, smiling:: Speak nothing of it, Zoya. You've been more than open and trusting with me. Returning your trust and concern is the least I can do. <Zoya> ::a sudden thought strikes her:: What about emotional attacks? Was there anyone among the order with whom you were close? A friend, a lover...? Someone who, if you were facing them in battle, you might hesitate to harm? <Zoya> It is a great deal, Marten, given the situation you are in. You have a great deal more at risk, trusting me, than I have trusting you. <Marten> ::shakes his head:: Again, not that I can think of. Part of my leaving was leaving them behind, or so I thought. I had accepted not seeing any of them again, and was at peace with that decision. No one there would strike me as someone I would worry about. ::he frowns:: Hesitate... That's an odd choice of words. Do you anticipate a confrontation between us and them? I expect minions, hired thugs and perhaps mages. But a direct confrontation... I don't know if that's a possibility, but I would be shocked and amazed if they came to Marsember themselves. * Zoya sighs. "That depends, Marten, on how badly they want you back. After their minions have failed, they might come themselves." <Marten> ::nods:: They could. But, they'd risk a great number of things. Sending one or two brothers across the Hordelands in pursuit of one man is something; starting a war by sending a small force to bring me back is something else entirely. <Zoya> Or, ::her face takes on a haunted look:: it's possible that their minions could include doppelgangers, shapeshifters, or illusionists who might be canny enough to pretend to be someone you once trusted to get close to you. <Marten> While they could send a small force, the larger the numbers they send, the more likely they are to be noticed, to stand out. Even at home this would be unacceptable. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, eyes thinning:: Yes. Yes it could. And I've thought about that; that's a good part of the reason Lisl's change sent me into such a state of fear. She was lucky something worse didn't erupt. <Zoya> ::she hesitantly reaches out and puts a hand on his arm:: Marten, you're safe here. Here, and in the Hall. My god has taken an interest in you, and this place will not allow anyone or anything with hostile intentions inside. <Marten> ::places his hand on top of hers, and looks her in the eyes:: Thank you. I believe you, believe that you think it safe here. Erdian's protection is a comfort, as is sleeping under your watchful eye. But, still... it is difficult to sleep restfully, you understand. <Zoya> ::she smiles sadly, meeting his gaze:: Yes, I understand. I wish I could offer you further comfort. <Marten> ::smiles:: You offer me more comfort than I've had since I've arrived in Cormyr... since crossing the Hordelands, since... since quite a long time, Zoya. It seems that I may be thanking you many more times if you keep up your humility. <Zoya> ::she looks away:: It is not humility, Marten. I merely wish I could help more. You should be allowed to sleep like a free man. <Marten> Thank you, then. I will do my best to make you happy in that request, then. * Zoya withdraws her hand and picks up her water. "And what will you do, Marten, when this is behind you?" <Marten> ::laughs:: What will I do? I haven't thought that far ahead, Zoya! Right now, I'd stay in Marsember, look for a more challenging job than a fletcher's assistant. Perhaps settle down, find a home on the outskirts of the city... Why do you ask? <Zoya> ::she shrugs:: You have been running away for too long. It is better, I think, to be running *to* something, rather than away. Or you may defeat this enemy and only then realize that you can't stop running. <Zoya> ::she smiles, perhaps a bit shyly:: I'm glad to hear you'd like to stay in Marsember. <Marten> ::laughs:: I can stop running, Zoya. Marsember is showing me that. I feel my roots settling into the earth here, longing to stay put. This is somewhere that makes me want to stay, to learn the ebbs and flows of the city and its people, of the Hall and its patrons. <Marten> I enjoy it here. I want to stop, Zoya. I want this to end. <Zoya> ::she looks back into his eyes and smiles:: Well. The first battle may be won, then. <Marten> ::he stand up, looking slightly upset:: I'm growing tired of this. I want to stop worrying, wondering what's next. I want something I can face head-on, instead of only in my mind. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, and the anger leaves as quickly as it appeared:: Which battle is that? <Zoya> The battle of fear. ::her gaze is steady:: Having decided to fight, rather than run - it is often the hardest decision to make. <Marten> ::smiles at Zoya:: The face of a goddess, and the heart of a warrior. I am constantly impressed by you, Zoya. <Marten> ::stretches slightly, joints in his back popping as he does:: It is getting close to my bedtime, Zoya. Perhaps we can carry on more of this conversation tomorrow, when we are both more alert? * Zoya looks surprised, and then blushes as his words sink in. She looks relieved at the suggestion of sleep. <Zoya> Yes, yes of course. I'm sorry to have kept you up so late. Leave the glass - the, ah, staff will get it. <Zoya> ::she stands and smoothes her dress:: Come, I'll show you to a room. * Marten shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other as Zoya blushes. "Of course." Leaves the glass, and extends his arm for Zoya to take. "Lead on, milady." * Zoya gently takes his arm and guides him into the halls of the Tower. "I don't recommend wandering the halls at night, but I am an extremely light sleeper, and my room is only a few doors from yours - if you need anything, please don't hesitate... <Marten> ::smiles:: Of course. I'm sure I'll sleep most soundly this evening, Zoya. Thank you. <Zoya> ::She leaves him at the door to a small but comfortable room.:: I hope so. Good night, Marten. ::She pauses as if she's about to say more, then turns and moves further down the hall. She smiles warmly at him over her shoulder before disappearing through another door.:: * Marten closes the door, and smiles as he leans against the door. "Goodnight to you too, Zoya. Sleep well." |
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